Where is South America would you go?
 

I am thinking of heading to South America this fall (Spetember or October) for 7-9 days but I am clueless where to go. I was initially interested in Brazil but get very mixed reviews about Rio (crime, beggars, it being dirty) so I am not sure. I guess I am looking for a nice beach, good food with some South American culture. Any thoughts??

why don't you check out the posts here about Brazil and especially all the recent trip reports about Rio, you may read something different about what you heard.

I visited the isle of Guarujá (in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil) 5 times and I love it. It´s a safe place, clean, the beaches are really beautiful! try to look for information in internet.

Argentina, of course!!!! Three reasons to come to Argetnina:
1.- It is cheap.
2.- safer than any other country, specially Salta and the northen area!
3.- The best food. Imagina the best steak, the most delicions combination of flavors, and of course, polite people and a great culture.
Definitelly, Argentina

We just got back from an absolutely spectacular trip to Rio and the Amazon. I think the whole trip (including the overnight flights) was about 10 days and we packed alot in. I never felt unsafe in Rio and fell in love with the city. We used good common sense and had a marvelous time. Manaus was amazing - a city of 2 million in the middle of the jungle! The Opera House was absolutely beautiful and we happened to be there when the symphony was rehearsing - great acoustics! We took the 4 day/3 night cruise with Amazon Clipper ( on the Dona Selly 2) and had an experience that you would not believe. Saw a fere de lance snake, a bushmaster, several caimans, lots of birds, monkeys, etc. Plus we made some great friends and had a wonderful guide in Chico (very funny and knowledgeable). I would recommend the trip to ANYONE thinking of going to South America. We worked through a travel agent in Miami who specializes in Brazil - Edson Alessi at fredsontravel.com. Just tell him that you want a similar itinerary to the Casale group. He really took care of everything we wanted and customized the tours in Rio (of course we had a group of 10, so that made it easier). The beaches in Rio are "to die for". We stayed at the Orla Copacabana - very comfortable, clean and great location. Please don't believe everything bad you hear about Rio - it is a terrific city with lots of South American culture and wonderful food! They even have great pizza (better than what we get in Maine, that's for sure). We're from Chicago, so we know pizza!

Definitely go to Rio.Lots of things to see and do,very safe(sure that you have to take normal precautions),beautiful people and beaches.
But stay in Ipanema(Caesar Park hotel is one of the best)